There is no doubt that for a commercial development, the environmental qualities of the Swiss-Re tower are outstanding. Now there is too see if Londoners, not used to high-rises will accept that a city needs certain compactness and density. London cannot stop development based on the full 360-degree views of St. Paul or the Tower. On the other hand it seems to me that if the ‘Gherkin’ form of this building was a direct result of an analysis of needs and enhanced environmental performance, on a contextual level the building still seems to be fit quite uncomfortable. The building is too big and not high enough. Seen from a close distance its belly hides the top and the diagrid dwarfs people. >>>
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